Elche have played down reports linking Hector Fort with a return to the club, with general manager Ginoqa describing the possibility as no more than “transfer market rumors”.
Ginoqa addressed the speculation during a press conference in which he discussed a number of matters connected with the transfer market. Among the issues raised was whether Fort could rejoin Elche, either on another loan or through a permanent move.
Fort spent last season on loan at Elche, where he gained experience away from Barcelona. The right-back is currently involved in Barcelona’s pre-season preparations under manager Flick, but the club has yet to confirm that he will have a place in the squad for the 2026-27 season.
Despite those circumstances, Ginoqa rejected the idea that a return to Elche should be regarded as an active transfer development. His comments suggest that, at this stage, there is no confirmed agreement or advanced negotiation involving Fort and the La Liga club.
The prospect of Fort returning may also have become less likely because Eder Sarabia, the coach who previously showed strong faith in the defender, has since left Elche. Sarabia’s departure removes one of the major factors that had encouraged speculation about another loan spell or a permanent transfer.
Fort’s current situation therefore remains dependent on Barcelona’s plans for the forthcoming campaign. Although he is training with Flick during pre-season, he does not yet have a guaranteed position in Barcelona’s first-team squad for 2026-27.
Elche’s response provides the latest indication that any potential move should be viewed as market speculation rather than a completed or formally established transfer. The club has not presented Fort’s return as an imminent development, while Barcelona’s final decision over the player’s future remains outstanding.
Fort’s previous loan spell is the main basis for the reports connecting him with Elche. However, the club’s current position, combined with Sarabia’s departure, means that a further loan or a permanent move appears less certain than it might have been previously.
For now, the defender remains part of Barcelona’s pre-season group under Flick. Any decision on whether he stays at Barcelona, returns to Elche on loan or leaves on a permanent basis will form part of the club’s planning for the 2026-27 season.